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A Diary of the Apostle’s Fast (First Tuesday): What?

Not a glaring and loud advertisement for a life changing mega church conference. Not a boastful and vainglorious promotion of an empowering series of DVD lessons for $59.99 plus tax. No appeal to sow a sacrificial seed offering by popular power preachers to keep the television ministries reaching people all over the world who may not be able to receive such programing in the first place. Jesus approaches a sinful man in his sinful practice who is friends with sinners with two simple words, “Follow Me.”

To follow is to walk away from where one is and make deliberate steps behind the one accepted as ahead. As long as the leader is in motion, the follower must also move. Every day the world turns, plants cycle the air, creatures follow instinctive patters. Every day the one who was with and was God moves. We should be likewise place our steps behind his.

Note that his steps are not sporadic. There may be moments of significance. But, he walks in consistency as life is consistent. Our walk must not be limited to unique pauses nor can it be built on infrequent commemorations. For if we follow only on those moments, what is there to prevent us from losing sight of the leader? We are most likely to lose sight of who he truly is and where he is going. Conditions can distort our vision and enemies can distract us if our footsteps are too far away from his.

No, we must have the discipline to follow and follow closely. Even if we lack the nerve to see him nailed or the hope to see him at the rising moment, even if we don’t get an early glimpse of his glory; we are called to follow. If we are diligent and obedient, we will be blessed in the here and here after.